23 September 1998 Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aaces002.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Federal Register: September 23, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 184)] [Notices] [Page 50892] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr23se98-52] [[Page 50892]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for Pilot Testing Neutralization/Biotreatment of Mustard Agent at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Record of Decision. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) which documents and explains the Department of the Army's decision to construct and operate a facility to pilot test the neutralization/biotreatment process of mustard agent using water at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland. ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the ROD, contact Ms. Nancy Hoffman, Edgewood Community Outreach Office, Woodbridge, Station, 1011 Woodbridge Center Way, Edgewood, Maryland 21040. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Catherine Herlinger at (800) 488-0648 or (410) 436-2583. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Army has determined that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) adequately addresses the potential impacts of the Army's actions relating to the disposal of mustard agent stored at APG. The Army has also determined that the conclusions in the Final EIS establish that the decision to pilot test the neutralization/ biotreatment process for mustard agent using water at the preferred site provides maximum protection to the environment, the general public, and workers at the pilot test facility. The Army plans to dispose of 615 tons of mustard agent stored at APG consistent with the terms of the ROD. The alternatives considered in the Final EIS were no action (i.e., continued storage of mustard agent at APG) and locating the pilot facility at one of two potential sites within APG. Although the no action alternative is not viable under Public Law 99-145 (the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1986), it was analyzed to provide a comparison with the proposed action. A comparison was made of the potential impacts of two different locations at APG for the facility. The locations were identified using criteria based on safety and compatibility with current APG activities. The selected site, located on the Bush River Peninsula, has the advantage of being adjacent to the Chemical Agent Storage Yard, where the mustard agent is stored in ton containers. Additionally, it was determined to result in lower potential impacts to human health, land, water and ecological resources. Detonations of explosives and ordnance and testing munitions have previously contaminated the alternative site. Site clean up and remediation activities are not currently scheduled prior to construction. This would result in increased project duration and significantly impact the Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program mission's schedule date targeted for December 2004. Based on these impact analyses, it is concluded that conducting pilot test operations at the selected site is the preferred environmental alternative for implementing the neutralization/biotreatment process using water. Copies of the ROD may also be obtained by calling Ms. Hoffman, Edgewood Community Outreach Office, at (410) 676-6800. Questions may be forwarded to Office of the Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization, ATTN: SFAE-CD-P (Ms. Herlinger), Building E4585, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5401; or via e-mail at cherling@cdra.apgea.army.mil. Dated: September 16, 1998. Richard E. Newsome, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health) OASA (I, L&E). [FR Doc. 98-25394 Filed 9-22-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M